2012 McLaren MP4-12C

The famous F1 team builds a 600-horsepower supercar for the road.

McLaren, under the leadership of its executive chairman Ron Dennis, has just plotted the course for its future—the MP4-12C supercar, which was just unveiled at the company' modern headquarters in Woking, England.

Astute enthusiasts will note that the 2-seat MP4-12C is not the first road-going McLaren. The hallowed McLaren F1 supercar, designed by the visionary Gordon Murray, appeared way back in 1998. More recently, the company collaborated with to produce the super fast (and super exotic) SLR.

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McLaren has designed the whole MP4-12C starting with a clean sheet of paper. The chassis features a one-piece molded carbon-fiber tub that's called the MonoCell by the factory. Aluminum subframes act as pickup points for the suspension, and as the cradle for the mid-mounted engine. The MonoCell is so strong that the same tub can be used for three crash tests before it will show any damage. Thanks to this lightweight construction, the MP4-12C tips the scales at a remarkably svelte 2900 lb., give or take a few pounds.

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At the heart of the 12C supercar is McLaren's own twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 that pumps out 600 bhp and 443 lb.-ft. torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, enabling the MP4-12C to blast through the quarter mile in around 11 sec. Top speed is rated at over 200 mph.

Helping to slow the car from high speeds is an airbrake—activated over 60mph—that moves the center of pressure rearward for better grip. Large brakes, with forged aluminum hats and cast-iron rotors, are standard equipment, although carbon-ceramic brakes are optional. The McLaren MP4-12C also features adjustable hydraulic anti-roll bars that can be softened for a supple ride or tightened for improved turn-in and response.

Production for the McLaren MP4-12C is planned for last quarter of 2010. It will go on sale in the U.S. in June of 2011. No official pricing has been announced, but will likely compete with top line and exotics, which means a price in excess of $200,000.